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You could buy an abacus. Seriously I believe that it is inevitable that computer programmes have become more complicated and therefore inevitable that we need more power and memory to run them. When you consider what you can do withe the avaerage Desk top or laptop these days conpared to the earliest machines there is no way we would be satisfield with a Commodore or Sinclair. My mobile phone which is about the simplest one you can buy would make any of those early machines look stoneaged. Try Linux which is free, and generally user friendly if you do not like buying software. There is so much good free software available I doubt that you ever need to buy any.

I did look into Linux, but abandoned it when I found it considered my OKI colour laser as "a good paper weight" (when I looked for a driver for it - they don't have one!) that sort of put me off a bit, the photo processing app I've been using since 1992 (upgraded regularly until the company was bought up by Corel) wouldn't run under Linux and at my age the learning curve for the GIMP was not contemplated - I did look at it and shuddered. I still use the one I'm now so familiar with, runs fine in XP.

Windows latest manifestation 8 (or should that be infestation) touch screen sounds horrendous for long term PC users, it may be OK for kids with their Ipads and smart phones wanting to access farcebook or twatter but useless for serious PC users. We have used and got used to a mouse and keyboard and a way of working for over 25 years.

Windows XP does all I need, as does my Oki laser and my photo app, so why should I change, they say it will no longer be supported after next year, so what! At least it should mean an end to continual updates, I'm sure if I switch the PC off it will install updates, if I switch it back on after it's finished that install it would immediately tell me "updates are ready" again.

It may well be as you say Teddy a big advance from the Spectrum and Amiga etc, but do we really need some of the advances? Some undoubtedly are OK but we managed for thousands of years without mobile phones, I still don't have - nor want one, the only possible use I would have would be if I broke down on a long journey, as I no longer do any long journeys - no problem. I wonder how some people could have lived even 25 years ago when you hear them in the Supermarket "do we need any sugar/butter/tea/whatever" the mind boggles; before going shopping surely one checks what one requires for the next how many days, it's called planning or being prepared. (and while they're gabbing on the phone little Johnny is dashing round the store yelling at the top of his voice.)

Cheers MIKE.

How many roads must a man walk down ... ... before he admits he's lost?

I think that part of what has happened--even in my own lifetime--is that these various devices have so "empowered" people, that they now think that their every word and action is vital and must be shared with the rest of us, whether we want to be included in their "sharing" or not. It is truly the downside of this otherwise marvelous innovative technology and its many auxiliary benefits to millions of people worldwide.

I too was quite satisfied with XP and could have survived nicely without being forced to upgrade. Yes, I was forced as my 8 year old XP system had a major failure on the mother board ... after having the blue screen of death appear twice a day for about 3 months, I thought it best to get a new machine. Fortunately, I had installed an external hard drive and was able to copy over all my old files before the old machine finally gave up the ghost.

I went with Windows 7 - and a souped up machine with more RAM, faster processor, dual CD/DVD RW drives, and more disk capacity. I have absolutely no plans on upgrading to Windows 8 - I'm just beginning to enjoy Win 7 after learning its quirks about where it likes to store things.

Of course, technology being what it is, some of the programs and applications I was using on XP were not forward compatible with Win 7, so there was additional expense to update those as well.

I was forced to use Linux at work ... it was all too confusing, but I learned to get long with it in order to perform my job. I've tried MACs and don't like them at all ... so I stick with the old regular PC formats - like Mike, I'm much too old now to learn and use, what is to me, a foreign operating system.

I do believe that manufacturers build in a time bomb to go off after a certain interval ... this forces the user to upgrade - I would still be using my XP platform had the mother board not quit. I'm hoping that Win 7 will be around for a long time.

For me, personally, having a mobile phone is a necessity. It's my lifeline to the church, wife and close friends, since I am mostly out and about most days. However, I'm not one of those whose ear is attached to the darn thing ... I never answer or call while driving ... that's just plain nuts, imho. If it's important enough the caller will leave a voicemail and I'll call back when it's convenient and I'm not behind the wheel. We do take long trips - last year clear across the country and back. For two of my annual music performance gigs, I have to travel out of town across some very lonely stretches of road, so having the security of being able to call in a time of trouble is worth the cost to me.

I did look into Linux, but abandoned it when I found it considered my OKI colour laser as "a good paper weight" (when I looked for a driver for it - they don't have one!) that sort of put me off a bit, the photo processing app I've been using since 1992 (upgraded regularly until the company was bought up by Corel) wouldn't run under Linux and at my age the learning curve for the GIMP was not contemplated - I did look at it and shuddered. I still use the one I'm now so familiar with, runs fine in XP.
...

Linux likes HP printers. If you run Linux, get an HP printer. New model HPs may present a challenge if the drivers are not out yet, but we were able to get it going with the help of my son who is studing IT in college.

Gimp has baffled me. But there is another program for Linux that is somewhat like MSPaint. It is called Kolourpaint. Even a dummie like me can figure it out.

Well I' m running windows 7, I found an XP emulator that runs my photo editing software. I have turned off Microsloth updates completely, before Christmas they caused a few crashes, so I've now reinstalled 7 from disc and had no trouble since, I did upgrade to SSDs and boot is now a few seconds. I'm running 2 PCs both with quad core AMD processors, 16Gb RAM, 256Gb SSD and 2TB hard drive. Still using the same photo editor, now also editing video and also finding time for Grande Orgue. I also use the PC to drive a plotter cutter when making buildings for my model railway. I'm now 83 and don't intend to change much else.

I also have a Panasonic Toughbook handy for "on the move" work, screen is bright enough to use outside in sunlight, ideal for a quick look at photo or video on the spot.

Last edited by Dorsetmike; Jun-13-2017 at 12:43.

Cheers MIKE.

How many roads must a man walk down ... ... before he admits he's lost?